
There is something kind of magical about a steak and shrimp loaded baked potato. It turns a classic comfort food into a full-on luxe dinner. Perfect for impressing friends or spoiling yourself after a long week this recipe stacks tender steak juicy shrimp sautéed veggies and rich cheese sauce all over a crispy baked potato. It is the kind of meal that invites you to grab a fork and settle in for something special. My family first tried this on Father’s Day with all hands in the kitchen and now it is everybody’s birthday dinner request.
I first made this for a cozy Sunday night. The kitchen smelled incredible and everyone scraped their plates clean. Now it is my go-to for impressing steak and seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- jumbo baking potatoes: big enough for a full meal look for heavy potatoes with firm skins
- olive oil: adds crispness to the potato skin and helps veggies and proteins cook evenly always use fresh for best flavor
- steak: any good grilling cut like ribeye or strip steak well-marbled steak gives juicy results use butcher-fresh meat for tenderness
- shrimp: peeled and deveined large shrimp will stand up to high heat taste for freshness they should smell like the ocean not ammonia
- mixed veggies: bell peppers onions mushrooms or any mix you enjoy use fresh produce for best color and crunch
- salt and pepper: brings out the natural flavors of all the layers flake salt is especially nice for finishing
- garlic powder: a layer of savory warmth use granulated garlic for even seasoning
- chili powder: gives the steak a gentle spicy edge
- Parmesan cheese: fresh shredded melts best and gives the sauce a savory kick look for authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano if possible
- heavy cream: for a silky cheese sauce always check the date for freshness
- Cajun seasoning: brings the cheese sauce to life use your favorite blend for a little heat and complexity
- Italian herbs: a bit of dried basil oregano and thyme for balance
- Ashley’s Seafood Secret or your favorite seafood seasoning: this lifts the shrimp with bold herbal flavor
Instructions
- Prep and Bake the Potatoes:
- Rub jumbo baking potatoes with olive oil. Sprinkle on salt and pepper generously. Bake at four hundred fifty degrees for about one hour and fifteen minutes until fork tender. The skin should be crisp and the insides fluffy. When done use a sharp knife to slit down the center and gently squeeze the ends to open up the potato.
- Cook the Steak:
- Slice steak into bite size pieces. Season well with salt pepper garlic powder and a hint of chili powder for depth. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high with a swirl of oil. Add steak pieces and sear for about one minute per side so they develop nice browning without overcooking. Use tongs and watch closely for juicy pink centers.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat shrimp dry and toss with olive oil and Ashley’s Seafood Secret seasoning. Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium high. Cook shrimp for two to three minutes per side just until they curl into a c shape and turn opaque. Do not crowd the pan for best sear.
- Sauté the Veggies:
- Slice your chosen veggies. Sauté in olive oil over medium high heat for five to seven minutes until just tender and lightly golden. Season with salt pepper and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Stir often for even cooking and bright color.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Pour heavy cream into a saucepan and bring up to a gentle bubble over medium heat. Whisk in shredded Parmesan cheese. Add garlic powder salt pepper Cajun seasoning and Italian herbs. Stir until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth and thick enough to coat a spoon.
- Layer and Serve:
- Fluff the baked potato and layer on the steak shrimp sautéed veggies and generous spoonfuls of cheese sauce. Serve hot while everything is still melty and fresh.

My favorite ingredient in this whole dish is the cheese sauce. It turns everything into comfort food and makes each bite feel like a treat. We once had a family kitchen battle over who got to scrape out the last spoonful of sauce.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The elements keep well separately up to three days. Reheat steak and shrimp gently to avoid overcooking. Cheese sauce may thicken a bit just stir in a splash of cream to loosen. Baked potatoes can be reheated in the oven to restore their crisp skin.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken breast or sausage works well in place of steak. Use crab meat or scallops if you are not a shrimp fan. For the cheese sauce sharp cheddar or Gruyère can stand in for Parmesan. Use sweet potatoes instead of russet for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Top with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a burst of color. Add a squeeze of lemon over the shrimp to brighten the flavors. Serve with a crisp salad or grilled corn for a full meal. This dish shines at summer cookouts holiday dinner or anytime you crave a steakhouse vibe at home.
Cultural Context
Loaded baked potatoes first became popular in American steakhouse culture. By piling on classic surf and turf toppings you get all the fun of a steak dinner in a single dish. The cheese sauce brings just enough decadence to make it a celebration meal.

This recipe feels like a special occasion but is simple enough for any weekend. Try it next time you want to create a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What cut of steak works best?
Bite-sized pieces of sirloin or ribeye provide tenderness and flavor when seared quickly for this dish.
- → How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are ready when they curl into a C-shape and turn opaque pink on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- → Can I prepare the cheese sauce ahead?
Yes, make the sauce in advance and reheat gently, whisking to restore its creamy texture before serving.
- → What vegetables pair well here?
Try bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms sautéed with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder for balance.
- → How do I get crispy potato skin?
Brush potatoes with oil and season before baking at high heat to ensure the skins turn crisp and flavorful.
- → Is there a substitute for Parmesan?
Freshly shredded cheddar or Gruyère can be used, though flavor and melt may slightly differ.